Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral-Economic Theory

NCSL International; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge invites applications for a full-time pre-doctoral fellowship in Behavioral-Economic Theory. The role involves assisting Professor Rabin in formalizing implications of models, developing pedagogical materials, and supporting research papers on behavioral economics, with a focus on psychologically-grounded theory.

The position emphasizes rigorous theory work, seminars, and potential progression to PhD studies, with on-site duties in Cambridge, MA and Harvard

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree by start date.
• Strong background in proof-based microeconomic theory and mathematics.
• Proficiency with LATEX/Overleaf by appointment start.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as R, Python or MATLAB preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics is a must.

Responsibilities

• Analyze implications of psychologically-founded theoretical models.
• Contribute to pedagogical materials and tools for teaching.
• Assist with specific research papers on behavioral theory.
• Conduct literature reviews on theory and evidence related to behavioral economics.
• Analyze empirical and experimental evidence for behavioral theories.

Skills

Proof-based microeconomic theory

Mathematics

Probability and statistics

Programming (R, Python, MATLAB)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

LATEX / Overleaf

R

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Pre‑Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral‑Economic Theory

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Professor Matthew Rabin seeks full‑time, pre‑doctoral research fellows. The position is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing PhD studies in Economics, particularly those with an interest in psychologically‑grounded economic theory.

Fellows will aid Professor Rabin and others in formally drawing out the implications of theoretical models in both “behavioral” and “classical” economic theory. Particular emphasis will be put in psychologically‑grounded models that attempt to rigorously improve the psychological realism of economic theory. Examples of such improvements include incorporating limited rationality (e.g., errors in statistical reasoning, errors in interpreting others’ behavior), time‑inconsistent preferences (self‑control problems, utility misprediction), and more general utility functions (e.g., dependent on expectations, self‑image, and other beliefs) into our models.* This research agenda maintains the conventional mathematical tools and formalism of economic theory, and is outlined in Rabin’s 2013 AER and JEL papers. The goal is to develop and evaluate models that can broadly improve economics, rather than over‑stating the successes or failures of theories by cherry picking examples, or ignoring the cases where the new theories make worse predictions than classical economics or competing new general formulations. The research assistance needed will reflect this goal: participants will be asked to rigorously work out both realistic and unrealistic implications of models in areas such as game theory, choice under uncertainty, belief updating, social learning, etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze the implications of psychologically‑foundational theoretical models in concert with Professor Rabin and other research assistants, students, and collaborators. Such analysis includes formalizing and proving or disproving some common conjectures and intuitions proffered for the implications of new theories, providing general comparative‑statistics and calibration results, and working out examples and applications of models to different situations.
• Contribute to the development of publicly available pedagogical materials for teaching, and to help others incorporate the models and evidence into their own research. Develop tools to streamline the application of these models.
• Assist with specific research papers on psychologically‑grounded economic theory.
• Conduct literature reviews on theory and evidence broadly related to behavioral economics.
• Analyze and evaluate what existing empirical and experimental evidence tells us about different behavioral theories.

Professional Development

So long as compatible with fully performing duties associated with the position, pre‑doctorial fellows will have the opportunity to participate in the Harvard academic community, including attending seminars, workshops, and courses. In addition to working with Professor Rabin, fellows will work with other pre‑doctorial fellows, students, and faculty also working with Professor Rabin. The position is theory‑oriented. So in addition to enhancing literacy in behavioral and other fields in economics, it will help improve proficiency applying theoretical models, and help develop skills for formulating new theoretical models, both “behavioral” and “classical”. The position is also likely to be useful for those planning to do rigorous mainstream empirical research with an interest in having that analysis be on firm psychological and theoretical foundations. But the position won’t be as effective as most other pre‑doc positions in improving empirical or data‑related skills.

Hours and Compensation

This is a full‑time position, with compensation and health benefits based on experience and Harvard guidelines. The fellow is expected to work on‑site in Cambridge, MA. Visa sponsorship is available.

Location

Department of Economics and Business School, Harvard University

Start date

2027 (As early as January, but likely Summer or Fall Start).

Duration

Presumptively 2 years (All contracts are for one year in the first instance, but plan to continue to 2nd year if it works out well; a 3rd year may be possible if there is mutual interest.)

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree by start date.
• Strong background in proof‑based microeconomic theory (at the level of Mas‑Colell, Whinston & Green; Jehle & Reny; Kreps; or other comparable PhD‑level textbooks), mathematics, probability, and statistics.
• Proficiency with LATEX /Overleaf by beginning of appointment is a must. Familiarity with programming languages such as R, Python or MATLAB is a plus.
• A broader background in experimental design, behavioral economics, or psychology are all pluses, but are not replacements for the required proficiency in economic theory.
• An interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics or related fields is a must.

Salary Range

$50,000 $60,000